The Right Way to Navigate the Northern Song Dynasty

I'm Wang Hua'er, the beautiful daughter of a traveling peddler from the countryside.

Ever since I was little, the neighbors all said I was destined for great things. Maybe I'd marry into some rich man's household as a concubine, and if I were lucky, I might even become the county magistrate's concubine.

But none of that came to pass.

Because my father and I accidentally saved a strange old man. He said he would repay me, and when he made something of himself, he would find me a husband from a noble family, and I'd be his principal wife.

I didn't believe him, but he was so excited that I humored him and agreed.

Who knew he would really come back? He had become a high-ranking official favored by the court, dressed in purple robes, and took me to Bianjing to find a good husband.

Bianjing's riches dazzled the eye. Toss a brick and eight out of ten people you hit would be members of the imperial clan, so I wanted to marry every man I saw.

The old man I saved, or rather, my uncle now, said I had to pick the best.

First, he had to be a nobleman. The higher his status, the fewer formal bows I'd have to make.

Second, he had to come from a wealthy family, so I'd have money to spend after we married.

Third, he had to be handsome, or I might get scared out of my wits if I saw him when I got up at night.

Of course, it would be best if he had some talent, so my uncle could promote him.

I deeply agreed with all of the above.

After all that searching, my list of potential husbands gradually took shape, with three men standing out.

1. The son of Princess Ningguo (extremely handsome)

2. The Emperor's trusted commander of the Imperial City Office (wealthy, with both parents deceased)

3. Zhao, the upright scholar-official serving as a Remonstrance Official (frail and kindhearted)

Theme: Hold fast to an unwavering belief.